My friend Yoshie wants me to wear my new MAKUstudio bird to the NY Bead Society meeting tomorrow night so I needed to finish the necklace. Since I hated to cut the pretty ribbon, I decided to make a small scarf ring as a fastener in back and crochet two wire bird's nests for counterweights. You can see the finished necklace above. I can wear the ribbon ends in front with the bird or hanging down my back for a dramatic exit.
The bird's nests were so much fun that I made two more sets and turned one set into earrings.
If you want to try your hand at crocheted wire bird's nests, here is a site to get you started: http://www.craftstylish.com/item/604/how-to-make-wire-crochet-jewelry/page/all.
I did things a bit differently, starting with using 22 gauge wire which I would not recommend. It makes great-looking bird's nests but it is hard on the wrists and fingers. I will try 24 or 26 gauge wire next time. Also, I chained 4 instead of 3 for a slightly bigger nest. I formed the nest over the end of a large crochet hook to make it deeper and used the second tail to make a few squiggles and loops on the top edge of the nest.
Now I can't wait to wear my new necklace tomorrow.
UPDATE: I stumble across an excellent tutorial for making another type of finding for the hand-painted ribbon if you don't want to just tie the ribbon or cut it and add a lobster claw and jump ring fastener. Check out Jen Cameron's website Glass Addictions for instructions or just to view some lovely jewlery.
